DATE/TIME:  Wednesday, October 15, 2015   10:01 A.M.

INCIDENT:  H&S §11358 Cultivation of Marijuana PC §69 Resist Peace Officer

LOCATION:  31800 block of Becker Road, Newberry Springs, CA 92365

SUSPECTS:  1. Cameron Charles Switzer, a 61 year old male from Newberry Springs;
2. Melinda Switzer, a 55 year old female from Newberry Springs

    On October 15, 2015, at approximately 10:01 A.M., Deputies Rivas and Chacon of the Barstow Sheriff's Station responded to a 911 hang-up call at Becker Road in Newberry Springs, CA.  They contacted the residents and could smell the strong odor of marijuana while standing near the door.  The residents were identified as Cameron and Melinda Switzer.

    Rivas and Chacon were given consent to enter the home and search where the odor of marijuana was very strong.  Rivas and Chacon discovered a marijuana grow with mature plants.  While inside the residence, Rivas and Chacon saw drug paraphernilia and a white crystaline powder in a small plastic baggie.  When Rivas and Chacon went to place Switzer under arrest, he backed up as if to run away.  The deputies struggled with Cameron Switzer as he actively resisted being handcuffed.  Cameron was later booked at Barstow Jail for cultivation of marijuana and resisting a peace officer.

    Melinda Switzer, the wife of Cameron, ran away.  Cameron was handcuffed and placed into a patrol car for transport.  Melinda was found hiding a short distance away.  Melinda sustained injuries while fleeing from deputies.  Emergency medical personnel responded, provided emergency medical aid, then transported Melinda to Barstow Community Hospital for additional treatment.  Melinda was stabilized then flown to a local trauma center.

    The criminal case will be submitted to the District Attorney for review and possible filing of criminal charges.

Refer: Deputies Mauricio Rivas and Michael Chacon
Phone No. (760) 256-4838
Station: Barstow Sheriff's Station
Phone: (760) 256-4838
Case No. DR 081501497